Amongst the Poultry

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17182, 27 October 1923, Page 8 (Supplement)

Amongst the Poultry

NOTES BY

“GAMECOCK.”

The next meetings of the feathered clubs will take place as follows: Lyttelton Fanciers’ Club, November 3 (annual meeting). Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and

Canary Club, October 29. South Island Poultry Association, No-

vember 3. New Zealand Utility Poultry Club, No,

vember 6. Christchurch Canary Club, November

Rangiora Poultry Club. November 6. Canterbury Flying Pigeon Club, X vember 13.

"Game Cock ” (my pen name) means a male bird of any of the fighting breeds. The term " game ” now means pluck or courage, as well as certain breeds of fowl. But these old races did not, get the name because they were plucky, hut because they were used in the game of cock fighting.

“ Cocks o’ th’ gamey” Game is the term for n number of breeds which are either noted for fighting or are descended from a fighting race.

The Executive Council of the South Island Poultry. Pigeon and Canary Association decided on Saturday last to hold the annual meeting or the association in Christchurch bn Mon day, December 17, at 8 p.m., in the Christchurch Poultry Club's rooms. Last week Messrs F. O. Brown and C. Cussen, the Government Poultry In-

structors, awarded the points for eggs at the Utility Club’s Papanui competition. The. increasing demand for Old English Game, among farmers especially, is very noticeable. The richness of the eggs, rare quality of the flesh and adaptability of this breed to free range makes it a most desirable fowl, in addition to its beauty and majestic

The friends of Mr Dick, of Shirley, will be pleased to hear that he is making a good recovery from his recent illness. His birds, which are a uni, form flock, are looking remarkably

Mr R. Pearce has received from Mr F. Rogen. of Melbourne, a 1 sitting of Ancona eggs from Messrs Rogen and Andrews's specially mated Ancona pen. The eggs were received in good order and stork from them, if hatching is successful, will be a welcome addition to Ancona breeders o f Christchurch.

At the la«t meeting of the Rhode Island Bed Club the secretary, Mr C'. W. Tritt. handed in his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted. Mrs Davidson has been elected in his stead. Canary fanciers will be pleased to learn that Air R. W. Thompson, the well-known judge, is again taking an active interest in his life-long hobby. He has recommenced breeding on an extensive scale.

Nfr -J. Liggins announced through our advertising columns last week that he had finished the season's breeding and expressed his thanks to his numerous patrons for their support. He apparently realises that chicks hatched after the middle of October are less profitable than those brought out earlier. They give greater satisfaction, and a satisfied client is a fine asset. Langshans are doing well in the present Hawksbury College test. Tn the past at the college Langshans won both the twelve months and two-year tests, besides having the best average on another occasion. To date 303 i 3 the best score .1 remember for a single Lnngslian hen. and a very good score it is. though not up to the best of some other breeds. The Langslian used to be one of the best of classes at. New Zealand shows, but in recent years it has not been so popular. There are a lot of facts about feeding as well as other things. The other day a correspondent found fault with white bread. Why white bread? It contains less, nutrition than brown bread, but so do potatoes, rice and many other foods which we eat and give to our birds. The foods mentioned come under the heading wido rations. That is, they contain too much carbohydrates and not enough protein. But a wide ration will hurt the system less than a very narrow one such as peas and lentils, which are never found fault with. When the }>oultry keeper gives the scraps from the table white bread, potatoes, and rice—he (or she) does not give such foods alone. Usually they tire

mixed with soup and milk and meat, so. though one may not try to balance the feed, the diet is balanced. Bran is usually given because it is cheap and because it makes a mash crumbly ; but it is also a good balancer, especially with such starchy foods as rice, white bread, potatoes and maize. Poultry keepers get. good results from very diverse diets and that is why I think there is a lot of fnrl about feeding. Of course, it depends much on the conditions: whether the birds are kept in confinement or have more or less liberty. When wholly at liberty the hen will balance her ration herself. Anyhow, she will thrive and that settles feeding theories. By the importation of black Rekin bantams, which was noted last week, we have now in Christchurch the Pekin in three colours, viz., white, black and buff. There still remains one more variety- the partridge. The Pekin bantam is simply tlie cochin fowl in miniature and in the world there are bantams for all the best known of the larger breeds, but there are also bantams which have no larger edition. The big scores put up by ducks in laying tests has brought them into the limelight. One may therefore conclude that with increased interest the variaties o<f ducks will become more numerous. For many fanciers the. chief interest in the. culture of domestic birds is experimenting. As regards ducks they are not >o pliable to man's will ns the ordinary breeds of poultry. Darwin found pigeons the most easy to experiment with, hut ducks are very shv and less sociable. That, combined with the fact that ducks are less suitable to the conditions of the many, is doubtless tbe cause of the small variations in ducks and geese, and the same remarks will applv to turkeys. Sixty years ago w<? had only the English Aylesbury duck, the French Rover, the Muscovy of South America, and the black C'nyagii, also an American The Indian Runner was little known at that period, thougu it H now’ the best known of all tbe ducks. About fifty years ago the Pekin arrived in England from China, and later the two varieties, of Campbell ducks and the two varieties of Orpington ducks were produced hv British fanciers. More recently still the Cantonese duck was imported from the Fast and a new English duck named the Coaley Fawn was produced, the originator being a Miss Edwards. The Coaley Fawn made a great start in last year’s Bentley (England) test. Five of the new breed averageu 2*21 eggs each. It will be seen that the new breed is likely 1o rival the Runner and the . Tvhaki-Campbell. But while the three breeds mentioned, to-

gether -with tbe Cantonese, are ' layers their flesh is hardly up to table i form. Tn that respect the Khaki- 1 Campbell is the best of tbe great lay- | ing varieties. Before leaving the - ducks I may add that the Black Run- ; ner has not been noted for big scores < yet. ; NOTABLE SUCCESS. ] NEW ZEALAND BIRDS WIN TN , ENGLAND. All who are interested in the advancement- of the Dominion may well i 1 feel proud of the splendid achievement 1 of the first consignment of White Leg- I horns to leave these shores to compete with the mighty flocks of Great Britain. A few months ago Air Juggins shipped to England to the order of Lord Dewar, who is one of England’s foremost fanciers,' a team of eight White Leghorn hens and two cockerels. Word was received that th© birds liad arrived on July 6 in excellent condition. His lordship and his manager were highly pleased with them, so much so that two of them, a hen and a cockerel, were exhibited at the Surrey County Show, held at Redhill in August, at which the worldrenowned utility judge. Mr W. PowellOwen, adjudicated. Not only did the birds achieve the high honour of winning in their respective classes, butthe hen was awarded the silver trophy for the best utility bird in the show. The following extract from tbe “ Feathered \\ orld ” was written by the judge, and is of especial interest to local poultrymen " Lord Dewar secured the silver special for best in utility with a White Leghorn hen which rather introduces us to the- Now Zealand type. “I am informed that his. lordship recently imported the winning pen ot whites at the leading laying test in New Zealand, several of the birds putting up official records of over 300 eggs in twelve months. One of the hens which has laid over 300 eggs was shown under me at Redhill for her first outing, and J gave her first and special best in utility section. She answered to what is my ideal, and no particular feature stood out to distinguish her from our own ultility Leghorns. An imported cock also won the male class, and. handlincr him more closely after judging. also eyeing him all over, there are perhaps distinctive features. “He is a bit ‘ cockier ’ than our types, being very, wide in chest and | standing wide, but* swanking like an aristocrat to such an extent as to throw his head back and chest out until it makes him look shorter in the back. The. flowing well-carrier! tail ensures the graceful action T\C. aims at, but he may rariy a little more feather (although fine in texture) than our own males. _“ 1 *'»s passing down the pecs at Woolwich rest day. after judging, and found a visitor admiring the winning utility White Leghorn pullets. I discovered the visitor was Mr E. Jones, so well known in New Zealand for his ‘ Sunshine ’ strain of whites. He is visiting this country, and spoke kindly of Mr G. H. Ambler, who, f was sorrv to hear, has not enjoyed the best of health. J lie New Zealand poultrykeepers have but one type in White Leghorns, representing lav and beaut*-. They have drafted the one standard! cutting out all extremes. The climate there is a considerable help to heavy egg production. Handling m v winners. the;e was complete .agreement in types and quality. P. 0.. a s is well known, popularised the ‘out of the eve’ comb as very desirable in utility, and 1 was pleased to hear that New Zealand breeders endorse this ’’ Mr Liggins* s thoroughness, careful mating and untiring attention to the necessary details of poultry breeding have always been reqognised and appreciated by those in the business in tins country. and that such fame should be secured in the feathered arena through the medium of this select strain is quite befitting. While T congratulate | Mr Liggins on the success of his stock j I feel as all poultrymen should feel, proud of the achievement. And I I trust that this consignment of birds | to England is merely the forerunner of many a larger one from Mr T.iggins and from the flocks of other Now Zealand breedeis.

THE ELLESMERE SHOW. The Ellesmere Poultry Sho-iv was held at Lees ton on October 18 in conjunction with the Agricultural ami J astoral Shorn. About I*o exhibits of utility poultry, ducts and bantams were staged, and the section was the centre of attraction throughout the day to a large n umber of visitors to the show. The winning Brown Bet-horn male was a fine coloured bird, but. very had 111 lobe. The second bird was in better condition and was unlucky to lose the premier award. Tn the Brown Leghorn females both the first and second exh'blts were far too small, and it is doubtful if they could have passed the weight test of the New Zealand TTtilitv standard. The third bird and the one in the last pen in the class might, easily have ohanged places with the first and second. The first, and second White Leghorn neks were far ahead of the others and they were shown in splendid condition. The winning White Leghorn h®u won in type and head points over the second, the third hen being very close up. This class was a really good one. the thirteen birds being a very typical The Black Minorcas. both males and females, were well up to the standard, the winners in each class being easv to select. Anconas were few in number, the cock winning the special prize. Tn the any other variety light hreeds. Black Leghorns won in 'both sections, the hens being in better show tionIn the Utility Black Orningtons. males, there were nine exhibits, the winner being a big bird in good condition and true to t vpo ; the second, a similar bird exhibited by the same owner. The third was also good. In Black Orpington hens the first and second birds were distinct types, the former being a. loose feathered bird, while the latter was tight in feather, good type, and in good condition. It may be that the winner handled bettor. The Silver -\\ yandotte males were well up to the required standard, the winner being a fine coloured bird. The hens, ten in number. were a good class though the winner scored easily. There were but few White Wyandottes and Barred Rocks, but the quality was good, the Barred Bock male especially*. In Rhode Island Reds competition was keen, the whole class being in excellent condition. The winning cock, a fine coloured bird, perhaps rather much comb, was awarded the special prize for the best bird in the showThe winning hen was also full of qyality.

In chicks there was n. fine exhibit of Indian Runners. Pekin, and Aylesbury, and the respective winners were good specimens.

The Bantams comprised Black Rosec.omb. "White Japanese. Silver Sebright. Buff Pekin and Game. They made an attractive display. The following were the special prir.o awards:—Brown Leghorn---Male. J. Aiken; female. Mrs E. Davidson. White Leghorn- Male, F. F- Martyr : female. C. W. Tritt. Minorca- I’. E. Sprosen. Ancona—R. Pearce. Black Orpington—Male. 11. -T. Conway : fe- j male. T. S. Hanna. Silver Wyandotte ! - -Male, F. Spreadhury; female. F ; i Spreadbnry- Rhode Island Red—Male. I Mrs "E. Davidson : female. C. W. Tritt. 1 I Indian Runner Drake. S. M’Carten ; duck. C. Barnett. Best bird in show - i Mrs E. D avi dso n. A XNFA T, MFETING. The annual meeting of the South Island Wyandotte Club was hel l in the club rooms on Saturday. September JO The acting secretary read the annual report, and balance-sheet, which showed the club to he in a financial position. The total expenditure was £l2 Is lod and receipts £8 3s. including balance carried forward from last year £ll 13s I 6d. leaving a. cash balance of £7 14s Bd. I The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mr E. J. Ross ; vice-presidents. Messrs .T. Tindall. FT, M’Gregor. F. C. Hark. D. Rutherford. D. M’Millan (Granity). J. B. While and P. Cerobn (Dunedin), G. E. Jeffreys, W. G- King and A. W. V. Clarke; secretarv and treasurer. E. Corser; auditor. Mr R. Pearce. Mr Pearce was accorded a vote of thanks for auditing the books. The prizes for last year's show which were won outright are to he reinstated under the following conditions ;—That the value he £1 10s each for the bestSilver Wyandotte cockerel and White Wyandotte hen. cockerel ard pullet. Four club members competing in a class or no awardMr T. Doveday was elected a member of the eluh. EGG-LAYING COMPETITIONS FAPANUI. A conridprable amount of interest is/ being taken »« tbs egg-iayiug cjiupetiuoif late have been meal for me b.ids, and the-y ai e reapomiingr vs ell. Juagmg by re-cat returns, quite -a number pioxuise to leacli ttie year in trout of them should he no aif Acuity for a. number of the competitors to secure the standard certificate, which is awarded for 2bJ eggs at the close of the season. During tile winter the laying- of the light, breeds, was • xerp.,ona ily good, but the scoring by tn.e heavy breeds had been somewhat patchy. There are indication?, may yet make good. Among those most worthy of mention are M'es-va -5. Liggins's s x-bird team,'which is fine fettle to continue its efforts. T. Kennedy's learn is doing well and ha? weight, to spare; Inst week’s 35 eggs scaled 770 z odwt. M. Craig's team is looking i well and is not far behind the leaders. In I the three bird single pen teat It. W. I t'oombes's No. 2 has the fine score of 16) j eggs and is upholding this breeder's repaW. Rodgers's No. 2 bird is leading with a score of 150 in the three bird heavy team, while F. H. Lovell's Wo. 1 pullet with 120 eggs and weght to spare is at present The light, breed single rhampionship class is even going, 8. T.. Beer's and W. Wewall'.* representatives. each having 155 to its credit. •L P. Prewitt has a good lead in the heavy biecd championship, and lias weight R. V. Hawke's leading Indian Runner duck’s record of 155 eggs in 182 days. ;« wonderful yield, makes the score'; of the leading pullets appear less pretentious. T. Bond and .T. Mnstrarp are even for second position with 173 eggs to the credit, of their representatives. The satisfactory return from the duck section should he pleasing to all concerned and should heln the club to defray th > expense incurred in ejecting the new duck pens at t.be beginning of the season. Returns showing the leadings birds in earn of the various te;t«>. fo" the twentyeighth week ending October 20. 1023; LIGHT BREED. SINGLE HEN CHAM-

PION SHIP. No. Veicht. Total. F.trsrs. oz d’’ T1 R. T . Beer ' G. H. MitcheR 6 120 IG2 7 12 13 357 P. w. Rhacklock . J. r. w:p? . 6 31 G 1-15 5 9 11 1*2 HEAVY BREED ST N GEE HEN' CHAMPIONSHIP. L. A. Wad ham . .T. Eyness fi 30 5 1SR 2 4 30 302 LIGHT BREED SINGLES. pullet r. .T. Norton. No. -2 W. J. Richards. No. G II 2 1G6 5 10 1 162 •T. T.yneps. No. .3 . •T. P. Firth. No. 1 G 12 6 163 7 13 G 158 >7 13 2 157 W. Harrell. No. 2 •T. TT. Duffield. No. 2 F. F.. OshiTrn. No. 3 5 106 153 7 14 32 155 G 31 13 153 Calder Bros.. No. 3 TTar end 5 8 13 152 5 94 152 (Competitors to onto pullet VT. Bodcprs. No. 2 F. H. T orell. No. l tkreo pure-bred 3 6 0 153 G 12 13 132 tV. Rodsrer®. No. 5 -T. Oun<-. No. 3 . W. R. Sprosen. No. 4 fill on 4 6 11 HR G 32 3 111 SINGLE DUCK 5 R. h W. C 'TTavrke. No. F. Bond. No. 2 . CONTEST. antey three ducks. 7 17 14 19‘2 7 l* 13 160 TT. W. No. 5 6 13 9 l r-o T. Hood. No. 1 .7 IS 7 169 F„ J. Ritchie. No. 3 . 7 16 in 160 SINGLE DUCK CHAMPIONSHIP. T„ A. Waoham .7 lfi 4 78 FT.OCK TEAMS CONTEST (Six birds.) M. C. Craig 35 71 3 766 H. Harris 27 55 *1 6at 27 65 2 70S H. Harrison H. Williams . 51 f6 9 633 3-2 61 0 693